2009 Audi A8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2009 Audi A8 is more standard convenience technology on the 4.2 models, including keyless entry and start plus a rearview camera and parking sensors. It is not a redesign; the 2009 lineup remains part of the facelifted D3 generation.
About the 2009 Audi A8
D3 generation (2004-2010 U.S. A8), facelifted 2008-2010 version; 2009 is a late-cycle year before the all-new 2011 A8.
Audi positions the A8 as its flagship luxury sedan for buyers who want high-end comfort without giving up driver engagement. The core pitch is a lighter aluminum body, standard quattro all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, and a cabin trimmed with real wood, leather, and understated design. In this class, the A8 stands out less for flash and more for blending quiet luxury, confident all-weather traction, and a more athletic feel than many big luxury sedans.
The standard-wheelbase A8 4.2 is the more driver-focused version, with a V8, all-wheel drive, air suspension, navigation, and heated 16-way power front seats. The A8 L 4.2 emphasizes rear-seat space, while the A8 L W12 adds a 12-cylinder engine, a four-seat rear cabin, dual rear entertainment screens, and ventilated massaging front seats.
What changed, by category
2009 Audi A8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.2 Liter | V8, 4.2 Liter | W12, 6.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd OD Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd OD Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd OD Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 13 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Horsepower | 350 hp | 350 hp | 450 hp |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft | 428 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.6 cu-ft | 14.6 cu-ft | 14.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 42.3 in | 42.3 in | 42.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Interior Trim | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Massage Front Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Refrigerator/Cooler | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2009 Audi A8 redesigned?
No. The 2009 Audi A8 is a late-cycle version of the D3 generation, using the facelifted design introduced before this model year.
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Audi A8?
The biggest change is more standard convenience technology on the 4.2 models. Keyless entry and push-button start, a rearview camera with front and rear parking sensors, a power-operated trunk, and soft-close doors became standard.
What changed on the 2009 Audi A8 L 4.2?
The 2009 Audi A8 L 4.2 gained standard four-zone climate control along with the expanded convenience equipment fitted to the 4.2 models. Its long-wheelbase body provides more rear-seat room than the standard A8 4.2.
Which trims make up the 2009 Audi A8 lineup?
The 2009 lineup consists of the standard-wheelbase A8 4.2 Quattro, the long-wheelbase A8 L 4.2 Quattro, and the long-wheelbase A8 L W12 Quattro. All three use all-wheel drive; the first two have a V8, while the W12 has a 12-cylinder engine.
How is the 2009 Audi A8 L W12 different from the 4.2 models?
The A8 L W12 is the more rear-passenger-focused version. It has a 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine, a four-seat rear cabin with an extended console, dual rear entertainment screens, and ventilated massaging front seats.